Follow the voices of the past on this 9-day adventure along the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers aboard the MS Louisiane. Listen for the echoes of river pirates at Cave-In-Rock, visit the remarkable National Quilt Museum in Paducah, and relive the tragedy of the Civil War at Shiloh National Military Park, where more soldiers died in one battle than in all of America's previous wars up to that time, combined. Discover the unique architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright's Rosenbaum House in Florence, enjoy a slice of bourbon pecan pie in Decatur, scale Chattanooga's Lookout Mountain on the Incline Railway, and observe how baseball bats are made at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
Highlights
Explore Cave-in-Rock, a village based in a natural cave along the river
Rejoice in the extraordinary tale of Helen Keller at Ivy Green House
View the many evocative statues dotting the Shiloh Civil War battlefield
Take flight at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center at NASA's Flight Center
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Louisville and check in to your deluxe hotel, which is adjacent to the city’s attractions. Discover this captivating city, named after King Louis XVI of France, as you sip a mint julep and stroll the waterfront. Be sure to head to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, Churchill Downs, or learn about a boxing legend at the Muhammad Ali Center.
Your fare includes breakfast this morning at your hotel as well as a transfer to the Louisiane and all porterage. Settle into your stateroom or suite, head to The Veranda for a light snack, and then bid Louisville farewell as the Louisiane departs and you immerse yourself in the joys of life on the river. Bon voyage!
The pleasures of the Louisiane become apparent as you start your day with a made-to-order beignet and café au lait in The Veranda. Read a book, talk to the Illuminator, the onboard historian, and then enjoy made-to-order crêpes for lunch. Spend the afternoon with new friends and sip a pre-dinner aperitif in the Bar Royale. Then indulge in the Southern and Continental cuisine of The Crescent Room followed by stimulating entertainment before retiring to your suite or stateroom for a restful night’s sleep.
You're sure to find this sleepy little village's 19th-century swashbuckling past rather intriguing. From their base in a natural cave along the river, armed river pirates used to hide where they could easily row out and rob passing steamboats.
Picture 42,000 Union soldiers boarding 185 ships on their way upriver, and get a sense of the rich local history that is captured at the Floodwall Murals. See the Wacinton Sculpture honoring the Chickasaw Indians and tour the enchanting National Quilt Museum.
Commemorate one of the most legendary Civil War battles at Shiloh Battlefield, where more than 111,000 Union and Confederate soldiers clashed and casualties reached nearly 24,000. View the many evocative statues dotting the battlefield and learn about this momentous struggle at the exhaustive interpretive center.
Rejoice in the extraordinary tale of Helen Keller at Ivy Green House, where “The Miracle Worker” Anne Sullivan saved the young girl from a life of darkness, and step into a rich musical legacy at FAME recording studios, where luminaries such as Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and The Osmonds laid down iconic tracks.
Take flight at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, featuring exhibits and artifacts detailing the dramatic history of America’s space exploration, an extensive collection of rockets deemed “the finest in the world” by legendary astronaut John Glenn, and even g-force simulators for the boldest among you.
Day 9: Chattanooga, Tennessee | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to the Louisiane and tarry in lively Chattanooga, graced by nature with remarkable vistas including a view of seven states from atop towering Lookout Mountain, home to the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Stroll to the world-class Hunter Museum of American Art across the wrought-iron Walnut Street Bridge, the world’s longest pedestrian bridge.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,999
Notes
All fares, including land and hotel, are capacity controlled, subject to change at anytime without notice, and do not guarantee availability.
- A Single Supplement of 50% is available only for the Deluxe, French Balcony, Promenade, and Veranda Staterooms.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.